Following 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wide receiver Mike Evans opted to sign with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. Throughout his time in Tampa Bay, Evans shared the field with Chris Godwin in all but three seasons, forming one of the NFL’s most productive receiving duos.
That history made Evans’ departure particularly surprising. According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, Godwin admitted his initial reaction to the news was disbelief, saying he didn’t think the report of Evans joining the 49ers was real when he first heard it.
“Honestly, I didn’t believe it,” Godwin said about Evans departed in free agency. “I mean, there’s a bunch of stuff on the internet that you can’t really believe, a lot of AI stuff. So I didn’t really believe it. And then I texted Bake. I was like, ‘Yo, is this for real?’ And he was like, ‘Sad face [emoji].’”
“I think it’s part of the game, unfortunately. Mike is — I mean, we all know what Mike has been to this community and this organization. That’s my brother and I wish him the best and his time in San Fran. I’m sure that they know what kind of player that they’re getting.”
Godwin continued,
“I mean, obviously it’s going to be difficult that he’s not here. And I think anytime you’re missing Mike, that’s a tough situation. But fortunately we have a room full of guys that are ready to go.”
The Buccaneers are now entering a new chapter without Evans in the fold. While Tampa Bay still boasts a talented receiving corps led by Godwin, Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan, the offense will inevitably have a different look without one of the franchise’s most accomplished playmakers.
For Godwin, the adjustment extends beyond the field after spending the majority of his career alongside Evans. Even so, he understands the impact Evans made during his time in Tampa Bay and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to move forward following his departure.
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